Windows Head Steven Sinofsky to Leave Microsoft

The move comes less than a month after Sinofsky presided over the launch of Windows 8 and Microsoft's Surface tablet - products seen as key to the future if the PC software pioneer is to retain its position in a market increasingly dominated by phones and tablets.

Sources have said the move came amid growing tension between Sinofsky and other top executives. Sinofsky, though seen as highly talented, was viewed at the top levels